Contact/Control cleaner for potentiometer

[basslover]

I have a 15 year old speaker that crackles and distorts whenever I turn the volume knob. What is the best place to purchase a control cleaner for cleaning these? Are these available in local hardware or electronic stores? Or should I buy them on Amazon? Any recommended brands?

 

[sadik]

Follow as shown in photo

But this is not a permanent solution. I would recommend you to change the potentiometer with a good brand such as "Alps". You can buy the same from theaudiocrafts

 

[Music Freak]

I've used DeoxIT, TriboCor, OKS contact cleaners. All work as expected.

I remember importing DeoxIT but you need to shell out a bit more. If you can find one locally, go ahead. Else look for any of the above including CRC contact cleaners online or in your local electronic stores.

 

[sachu888]

I once bought CRC electric cleaner from Amazon. It was good.

Regards
Sachin

 

[keith_correa]

CVC FEC0053 ELECTROCLEAN SPRAY- 100 ML: Amazon.in: Car & Motorbike

CVC FEC0053 ELECTROCLEAN SPRAY- 100 ML: Amazon.in: Car & Motorbike

www.amazon.in

 

[sachu888]

CVC FEC0053 ELECTROCLEAN SPRAY- 100 ML: Amazon.in: Car & Motorbike

CVC FEC0053 ELECTROCLEAN SPRAY- 100 ML: Amazon.in: Car & Motorbike

www.amazon.in

Thanks Keith, this is the one I got.

Regards
Sachin

 

[RRR]

Isopropyl alcohol. 100% safe and does not leave any residue.
Available at the chemist.

 

[hydrovac]

Isopropyl alcohol. 100% safe and does not leave any residue.
Available at the chemist.

+1
I'd like to throw my support behind the answers which recommend propyl alcohol, as I have had excellent results.

In my case, I used a mixture of 91% Propyl alcohol and acetone (2:1 alcohol to acetone ratio)
This originally was to remove flux, but I discovered it also makes a GREAT contact cleaner!

A little alcohol dripped into the pot, twisting the shaft a few times, then drying the excess with a hairdryer - worked wonders for me.

 

[basslover]

Thanks for all suggestions, guys. An electronics store recommended WD40 but this stackexchange answer discourages its use. What are your opinions?

CVC FEC0053 ELECTROCLEAN SPRAY- 100 ML: Amazon.in: Car & Motorbike

CVC FEC0053 ELECTROCLEAN SPRAY- 100 ML: Amazon.in: Car & Motorbike

www.amazon.in

Does it come with a spray straw?

 

[sachu888]

Thanks for all suggestions, guys. An electronics store recommended WD40 but this stackexchange answer discourages its use. What are your opinions?



Does it come with a spray straw?

WD40 is like a lubricant. It displaces the water/moisture but doesn't clean anything. Don't ever use it to clean any electronic part.

Regards
Sachin

 

[basslover]

Thanks everyone. I got the Electroclean spray from Amazon and it solved my issue.

 

[Sean de Silva]

I once bought CRC electric cleaner from Amazon. It was good.

Regards
Sachin

I'm using CRC 2-26 for my Alps motorised volume potentiometer and CRC QD contact cleaner for other parts such as switches, RCA sockets etc. The general rule of thumb I follow is:
CRC 2-26 (cleaner + lubricant) for the potentiometer (moving parts)
CRC QD contact cleaner (quick drying cleaner) for non-moving parts.